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Floating Structures Enhanced by Natural Ventilation and Concrete Resilience for Coastal Living

Authors:
Steven Jose Mendoza Guznay, María Augusta Bernal, Fernanda Inga
Floating Structures Enhanced by Natural Ventilation and Concrete Resilience for Coastal Living
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Elevated concrete volumes integrated with floating gardens and abundant natural light create a seamless connection to the coastal environment, serving as multifunctional spaces for living and working.
5 key facts about this project
01
Elevated design incorporates natural ventilation to enhance indoor air quality.
02
Floating gardens strategically positioned to promote biodiversity and aesthetic connectivity.
03
Integration of transparent glass facades maximizes ocean views and natural light.
04
Utilization of locally sourced materials to reduce environmental impact.
05
Modular spaces allow for flexible use across residential and professional functions.

The project titled "The Ocean With Us" is an architectural design located in Elafonisi, Crete, Greece. This undertaking seeks to integrate workspace and residential environments with the surrounding natural coastal landscape. The architecture emphasizes a fluid relationship between built forms and the ocean, providing functional spaces that cater to living, working, and recreational activities.

The design consists of interconnected volumes that create a modular environment suited for varying uses. The project comprises three primary zones: living spaces, working spaces, and recreational areas. Residential areas are carefully positioned to maximize views of the sea, while working spaces foster creativity through open layouts with abundant natural light. Recreational zones are designed to encourage social interactions and cultural engagement, ultimately aiming to enhance community connectivity.

Innovative Use of Materiality and Space
The project employs a selection of materials that reflect sustainability and contextual integration. Concrete serves as the primary structural element, offering durability against coastal conditions, while glass is utilized extensively to reinforce transparency and visual connectivity with the environment. Wood is included in interior finishes, contributing warmth to the spaces, and vegetation is incorporated for aesthetic enhancement and ecological balance.

The unique approach of the project lies in its adaptability and modularity. Each space is designed to allow flexibility in usage, accommodating the changing needs of residents and workers alike. The architectural organization supports a network of pedestrian paths that promote exploration and social interaction, ensuring accessibility to all zones and encouraging communal activities.

Integration with Local Environment and Community
"The Ocean With Us" demonstrates a keen awareness of its geographical context. The design responds to the local architectural vernacular while pushing traditional boundaries. The orientation of the buildings is deliberate, fostering interaction with the serene ocean while reducing noise from surrounding urban areas. This thoughtful organization encourages users to immerse themselves in the natural environment.

Further Examination and Insights
For those interested in gaining a deeper understanding of the project's architectural concepts, it is recommended to review the architectural plans, sections, and designs. This project represents not just another architectural endeavor but a thoughtful response to contemporary needs and environmental considerations. Exploring the presentation will provide additional insights into its design philosophy and functional outcomes, showcasing how architecture can harmonize with the surrounding landscape.

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The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025: Celebrating Architectural Creativity and Visionary Unbuilt Designs with a Total Prize Fund of €100,000

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The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 is an international architecture competition dedicated to recognizing and celebrating the value of unrealized architectural designs. It invites architects, designers, and students worldwide to submit visionary projects that have not yet been constructed, highlighting the power of ideas and the creativity behind the design process. By focusing on unbuilt work, the competition aims to bring forward concepts that shape the future of architecture and push the boundaries of the profession. 

Participants can compete in three categories based on project scale: Small Wonders (up to 100 m²), Medium Marvels (101–999 m²), and Large Visions (over 1,000 m²). Each category winner will receive €20,000, and additional prizes include honorable mentions, student awards, and a special Best Presentation Award. Winning projects will gain significant international exposure through Buildner’s publicity campaign and a feature article on ArchDaily, providing a unique opportunity to showcase creative ideas to a global audience. 

The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 encourages entrants to submit any type of unbuilt project, from conceptual visions to detailed designs, celebrating bold innovation without the constraints of realization. Important deadlines: registration closes on October 30, 2025; submissions are due by November 20, 2025; winners will be announced on December 17, 2025.

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025

Celebrating your unbuilt architecture visions with a €100,000 prize

100,000€ Prize / 2025 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 30 October 2025

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